Nepal’s capacity to handle high-altitude emergencies received a significant boost as Home Secretary Rajkumar Shrestha formally inaugurated the Armed Police Force (APF) Mountain Rescue Training School in Manang. Located at an elevation of 3,420 meters in Humde, the facility marks a strategic advancement in the nation’s ability to conduct life-saving operations in the Himalayas.
The ceremony, held on May 14, 2026 (Baishakh 31), also marked the graduation of the second High-Altitude Search and Rescue course. Secretary Shrestha praised the APF personnel for their bravery and technical expertise, noting that such specialized skills are vital not only for humanitarian reasons but also for bolstering the confidence of the international tourism sector.
Addressing the logistical challenges, APF Inspector General Narayan Datta Paudel highlighted that mountain rescue is a matter of national prestige. He advocated for further strengthening the school with modern infrastructure, dedicated rescue helicopters, and risk allowances to maintain the high morale of officers working in extreme conditions.
The rigor of the training was demonstrated by a recent feat where four instructors and 18 trainees successfully summited the 6,038-meter Chulu Far East peak on May 12 (Baishakh 29). This follows previous successful ascents by APF teams in late 2025, proving the force's growing mastery over treacherous terrain.
Since its relocation to Humde in 2021, the school has produced over 250 specialists in high-altitude and rope rescue. These graduates have already proven their worth, having rescued over 1,500 people during heavy snowfalls and assisted numerous trekkers suffering from altitude sickness in the Manang and Mustang regions.
